The perfect wedding dress will not only look stunning, but it will also fit perfectly!
If you are like most brides, you may already know that your dream gown will need some type of wedding dress alteration. But do you know what the task involves or how to go about it?
Prepare yourself for this all-important wedding planning task with this list of all that you should know about wedding dress alterations compiled in collaboration with Love Your Tailor and Best for Bride, Canada.
1. Timing is key
Wedding dress alterations can take several weeks to complete. So, book your fitting sessions even before you receive the gown from the designer. You should allow enough time between fitting sessions for the seamstress to complete the planned work. However, getting the alterations done too early may also be a problem if you lose or gain weight closer to the wedding. So, plan the appointments in such a way that the final fitting is in the week of your wedding.
2. Not every tailor can do wedding dress alterations
Wedding dresses are complex garments with multiple fabric layers and intricate details. Any damage to the dress will be irreversible. Hence, it is risky to entrust wedding dress alteration to a seamstress who does not specialize in wedding dresses. Experienced tailors will know their way around wedding dresses. They can alter all types of wedding dresses without compromising the integrity and charm of the design. Contact Love Your Tailor for affordable, but efficient and expert wedding dress alterations in Toronto, Canada.
3. You may need more than three fitting sessions
You will need at least three alteration sessions to get your dress to fit perfectly. In the first session, the seamstress will pin the wedding dress to match your measurements and tailor it. During the second session, any additional changes will be incorporated. After the final fitting in the third session, you will be able to take your dress home. This is the standard flow. However, you may need more appointments based on the extent of work. Extensive modifications take longer to complete. Discuss your needs upfront, and your seamstress can guide you with how to proceed and how long it will take.
4. You can change the look of your gown with wedding dress alteration
Expert tailors can customize your gown and alter it to match your vision exactly. They can add or remove sleeves, move the hemline, rework the fabric, add embellishments, change the neckline, and do much more. These details can make your gown look unique and enhance its beauty. However, discuss your expectations with your bridal consultant before you buy the dress. It will help you know what is possible and plan accordingly.
5. You must take your accessories and foundation garments with you
The fit of a dress will depend on the shape wear and undergarments you wear underneath. Similarly, your seamstress will have to adjust the hemline according to the height of your wedding shoes. Carry your shoes and accessories to your fitting session to get the perfect length and fit. You can also take your wedding veil and accessories to try with the dress. It will help you see how the final look will be.
6. Budget for the cost of alterations
Since wedding dresses are complex garments with delicate details, a seamstress must painstakingly pay attention to every detail. Even small changes to a wedding dress take time and effort. So, wedding dress alteration is more expensive than regular alterations. However, the exact cost will depend on the extent of the work involved. Extensive changes to the design, like changing the hemline or fabric, will cost more than just taking the dress in or adding a bustle. To stay within your limit, adding alteration charges to your wedding dress budget. Communicate your total dress budget to the bridal consultant when you go shopping and look at dresses accordingly.
7. It is best to avoid an entourage
We do not recommend taking too many people with you to your wedding dress fitting appointment. Take a friend along if you are unsure of what to communicate to the seamstress. However, if you take several people, there may be too many opinions. It can adversely impact the overall experience. If necessary, take your friends or family to the final session only. Your seamstress can demonstrate how to bustle the dress session and give them a peek at the final look.
Author Bio: Best for Bride is a bridal fashion store specializing in designer wedding dress collections, bridal party outfits, and dresses for special occasions. This bridal chain has four store locations in Canada. Best for Bride has been serving brides from all over the country for over a decade. They offer a wide range of designer collections from top bridal fashion houses over the world. For more details about their collections and services, visit the Best for Bride website.